How far is Tea, SD from Box Elder, SD?
The driving distance from Tea, SD to Box Elder, SD is about 338.5 miles (544.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 314.2 miles (505.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 32m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 04h 46m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in and county seat of Lyman County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tea and Box Elder.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tea and Box Elder.
-
1
Start on East 1st Street
2552 ft · 57 sec · East 1st Street
-
2
Turn left onto North Heritage Parkway
1 mi · 2 min · North Heritage Parkway
-
3
Turn right onto East Gateway Boulevard
1.4 mi · 3 min · East Gateway Boulevard
-
4
Take the ramp slight left
2833 ft · 1 min
-
5
Merge slight left
10.3 mi · 12 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 West: Rapid City
1236 ft · 30 sec
-
7
Merge slight left
329.1 mi · 5 hr 9 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward Box Elder, Elisworth AirForce Base
1962 ft · 48 sec
-
9
Keep slight left
28 m · 7 sec
-
10
Turn left onto Liberty Boulevard
2562 ft · 52 sec · Liberty Boulevard
-
11
Turn right onto Highway 1416
1.5 km · 2 min · Highway 1416
-
12
Turn left onto Oak Street
671 ft · 32 sec · Oak Street
-
13
Turn right onto Front Street
29 m · 4 sec · Front Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Front Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tea and Box Elder.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
I 90 West
Merge slight left
329 mi · 05h 09m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Tea and Sunny near Box Elder.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tea to Box Elder?
The road trip is about 338.5 miles (544.7 km) and usually takes 04h 46m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Kennebec is a useful midpoint, sitting about 172.1 miles from Tea and 166.3 miles from Box Elder.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 314.2 miles (505.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:28 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $45.03 one way or $90.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 106.1 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Tea and Box Elder, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Tea and Sunny near Box Elder.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tea and Box Elder. Straight-line distance: 314.21 mi (505.68 km).
#1 Tea
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 6,405 |
| Coordinates | 43.4463700, -96.8358800 |
| Altitude | 454 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Box Elder
City in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States
| Population | 7,165 |
| Coordinates | 44.1124900, -103.0682300 |
| Altitude | 925 |
| Country | United States |
End: Front Street (-103.068237, 44.112405)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 545 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $45.03 | $90.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $50.78 | $101.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $55.57 | $111.14 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $63.33 | $126.66 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in South Dakota · Apr 21, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.